Preventing Cryptosporidiosis in People who are Immunocompromised

Who is immunocompromised or has a weakened immune system?

Immunocompromised persons or people with weakened immune systems include those with HIV/AIDS, those with cancer or who have had a transplant and are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs, and those with inherited conditions that affect the immune system.

What is cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by a microscopic, single-celled parasite called Cryptosporidium parvum (also referred to as “Crypto”).

Do the precautions listed for persons with healthy immune systems apply to me?

Yes. See the VDH Cryptosporidiosis Fact Sheet for more information. If you are HIV positive, undergoing chemotherapy, taking drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., corticosteroids) or are otherwise immunocompromised, you should take additional precautions to prevent cryptosporidiosis:

Be extra careful about what you eat and drink. Wash vegetables and fruits that will be eaten raw and be careful not to let raw foods contaminate other

Be especially careful about hand washing, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, before eating or preparing food, and after touching animals or working with

Avoid swallowing water from lakes, rivers, or swimming

Follow safer-sex

Take extra care when travelling, especially to developing countries where food and water may be contaminated with Cryptosporidium or other

What about my drinking water?

If you obtain drinking water from a public water system that is properly operated, no additional precautions are recommended. You may want to discuss the need for protective measures with your healthcare provider because:

Drinking water that is considered safe for persons with healthy immune systems may contain some Cryptosporidium oocysts (the egg-like form of the organism).

No one knows whether a few oocysts could create a risk for someone who is immunocompromised.

Cryptosporidium oocysts ingested while you are healthy may remain in your body until your immune system is severely depressed and then cause serious

What are some options for safer beverages?

Bring tap water to a full boil for one minute before using.

This will kill all organisms including Cryptosporidium.

To avoid burning yourself, allow water to cool before pouring into clean, dry

Taste can be improved by adding lemon or other

Use the boiled water for ice cubes, tooth brushing and mixing with concentrates. You do not need to use boiled water for food that will be cooked before

Dishes, silverware, and pots may be washed with tap water as long as they are dry before being used.

Use a point-of-use (personal-use, end-of-tap, or under sink) filter that will remove particles 1 micron or less in diameter. Filters in this category include:

Those that use reverse osmosis

Those labeled as “Absolute 1 micron” filters

Those labeled as meeting NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) Standard #53 or Standard #58 for “Cyst Removal or Reduction”. (Note: The “Nominal” 1 micron filter rating is not standardized and these filters may not remove Cryptospordium )

Follow directions for filter use and replace the filters according to manufacturer’s